Related Articles

The GED test -- a five-section, multiple-choice exam with one essay section -- offers you an opportunity to earn an alternative to the high school diploma. You'll need a minimum score of 410 on each section and a minimum total score of 2,250 to pass. If you took the GED test and passed, a few options are available for getting your GED diploma.

Graduation Ceremony

Some GED test classes hold a graduation ceremony for students who pass the test. You'll get a diploma at this ceremony, much like a real high school graduation. Contact the program administrator for the testing program in which you participated and ask if the class has scheduled a graduation program during which you can get your GED diploma.

Department of Education

Each state's department of education collects GED test scores before they're sent to students. If you've lost your scores or want a copy of your GED diploma, your state department of education may be the best place to start. It may refer you to a local GED testing office or require you to fill out a form and pay a small fee. Some state departments of education will send GED test scores directly to colleges on your behalf if you need your diploma to apply for college.

A300 mobile placeholder

Transcript Request

You can request your GED test scores and transcript -- sometimes called your GED diploma -- directly from the GED Testing Service. Each state has its own GED testing office, and you'll need to contact this office, complete a transcript request form and pay a fee. Each state establishes its own fee, but the amount is nominal.

Special Circumstances

If you're an international student, a military member residing overseas or are incarcerated in a correctional facility, the GED Testing Service offers an online form you can use to request your diploma. You'll need to fill out the form and will have to pay a small fee. Depending on where and when you took the test, it may take up to a month or two to receive your diploma.

Resources

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

About the Author

Van Thompson is an attorney and writer. A former martial arts instructor, he holds bachelor's degrees in music and computer science from Westchester University, and a juris doctor from Georgia State University. He is the recipient of numerous writing awards, including a 2009 CALI Legal Writing Award.